This couple makes a living driving around in a van and taking pictures of it

augustine ikenwa

April 13, 2017 8:18 AM

A couple of years in the working world can lead even the most optimistic of undergrads to question whether or not they’re just a soulless cog in the corporate machine.

Couple makes living off taking pictures of their van.

#VanLife is the new movement dominating Instagram

A couple of years in the working world can lead even the most optimistic of undergrads to question whether or not they’re just a soulless cog in the corporate machine. If you haven’t finished high school or college yet, heed the warning. And if or when that happens, the pull to live some sort of unconventional, bohemian lifestyle can set in.

On the New Yorker today, there was a profile on a couple named Emily King and Corey Smith who are going that route, and by “that route” we mean they’re living out of an old VW van.

Their journey started where many abrupt lifestyle changes occur, at a surf resort in Nicaragua, on the counsel of a guy who quit his job as a designer at Ralph Lauren to go live in his van. That guy’s name is Foster Huntington, and his Instagram account documenting his van lifestyle has racked up 1 million followers and an unknown number of people inspired to mimic the path he’s chosen.

While the story largely focuses on King and Smith, it also highlights an emerging trend. A number of people have eschewed their day-to-day responsibilities to buy old Volkswagen vans for the purpose of living out of them—either on the weekends or full-time—and of course cataloging their adventures on the 'gram.

The article talks about how much it sucks to have to care for an old van (though that’s not quite how it’s framed), what it’s like to live a social media-connected, nonconformist lifestyle, and even about how some brands have sponsored these modern-day vagabonds. While their bank account isn’t exactly overflowing, their life seems to have some stress-free perks.

Then again, before abruptly ending your career to follow their path, consider that everyone puts their best foot forward on Instagram, so there may be some behind-the-scenes struggles we just don't see. But if it’s something you have an interest in reading about, or it’s something you’ve considered, or you just feel like procrastinating for a few minutes, read more about the #VanLife over at the New Yorker’s website.

Oh, and also feel free to witness their adventures via their IG account: Where’s My Office Now.

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augustine ikenwa